The MALA Shop

Malas have 108 stones. Why?

Here is an excerpt from Yoga Journal on the meaning of 108:

“The number’s significance is open to interpretation. But 108 has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga. Traditionally, malas, or garlands of prayer beads, come as a string of 108 beads (plus one for the “guru bead,” around which the other 108 beads turn like the planets around the sun). A mala is used for counting as you repeat a mantra—much like the Catholic rosary. Renowned mathematicians of Vedic culture viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence. This number also connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. Such phenomena have given rise to many examples of ritual significance. According to yogic tradition, there are 108 pithas, or sacred sites, throughout India. And there are also 108 Upanishads and 108 marma points, or sacred places of the body.”

When choosing a mala, I think it’s best to go with whichever one is calling to you. The stones all have different vibrations and meanings, but what matters most is the mala’s meaning to you. The true meaning of 108 is what it means to you.

Design Inspiration

Inspiration for my shop came from my Mom, she is an incredible jewelry designer and has always encouraged me creatively. Each piece I create is one of a kind and made with love. My design process sometimes lasts for days before I even start tying a piece together. Intention is infused into each piece. I knot between each stone using organic materials and semi precious stones.

What do you really want? Are you ready to manifest your heart’s desire? Guess what? You can have it all. Here’s how…

Six Steps to Manifest

Understand that you are the creator of your own reality. You get to shape your life through your very own unique perspective via a combination of your outer and inner world. The way you choose to see things greatly affects your ability to manifest what you want.

The Law of Attraction states that the more you focus on something, the more you will draw it back to yourself. Know that the Universe is working on your side if you choose to step into the flow! Take a moment and realize the sheer size and power of the cosmos. You are merely a teeny tiny speck on planet Earth circling around a ball of fire in one of millions of galaxies… Feel the pulse of the massive energy surrounding you. Step into the flow and use the pulse of all creation to your advantage. This energy is here to support you on your journey.

VISUALIZE. The more vivid, inviting image you can paint in your mind of what you want, the easier it will be for the Universe to deliver it to you. This is where daydreaming actually comes in handy!

JOURNAL. Paint a clear picture in your journal with words of what it LOOKS like and FEELS like to have this thing. The clearer you can get here the better. Detail is key.

SHARE your vision with someone close to you. Vocalizing what you want is key in manifesting it. Allow this person to uphold your vision and help you bring it to fruition.

ACT AS IF IT’S ALREADY YOURS. I can’t stress this enough. Any time I want something, this is what I do. I know the thing will come to be eventually, it just becomes about focusing on the STEPS to get there. Focus on the next indicated step rather than whether you can actually do it or not. Own it. Be empowered by your vision and the life you create for yourself and others.

More than ever, now, it is time for us all to own our heart’s desire, follow our intuition, and come together in honoring ourselves. The more we can do this on a personal level, the more we will come together as a people and ride into the future with the best setup possible. Do your part by increasing your own self awareness. Turn off the TV. Go outside. Practice mindfulness. Bring yourself into the present moment. Get quiet. Listen to your inner voice. What the world needs now is MORE PEOPLE FOLLOWING THEIR HEART. Unity through self love. It is your duty to take care of yourself first.

Now, let me ask you again, what do you truly want?

xo,

Loren

P.S. Malas are wonderful tools to hold your intentions. They can help you manifest through simply holding the energy you provide them with. Check out The MALA Shop to see what’s new.

Kill airborne bacteria, cleanse negative vibes.

A recent study proved smudging to have major health benefits. The 2007 study titled “Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria” found smudging to have life saving implications by purifying air of harmful bacteria. Smudging consists of cleansing something with the smoke of sacred, medicinal herbs. Traditionally, this practice is said to rid a space or aura of negative energy. When burned, sage releases negative ions, which scientific research links to a more positive mood.

Enjoy the process.

Light end of stick with flame and place herbs in an abalone shell or clay bowl.

Gently blow out flames, let material smolder.

Metaphorically wash your hands in the smoke. Take it over your eyes, face, chest, and head. Breathe it in and waft it over your body. During these moments allow anything to release that needs releasing. Breathe deeply and feel the whole experience with all your senses.

For smudging a space, start on the left side of the room and work your way around. Repeat a mantra or prayer as you slowly take the Sage to all corners of the room.

You can leave it to burn and let the smoke fill up the room, or you can put it out.

Be mindful with the ashes that remain. Native American tradition says they symbolize what is left over from the ceremony and it is best to take them outside and place them on the Earth… what you clean off should be put out.

When & What to Sage…

Some of the most common reasons for smudging a space would be moving into a new home or work space, general changes in the home environment, or an argument that took place in the home. Most importantly, trust your intuition. If something needs cleansing, you will know…

In addition to cleansing a space, you can also cleanse objects, like crystals, mala beads, used clothing or other used items. Smudging is also seen as an aromatherapy practice due to the soothing smell of the herbs used.

Make this ancient practice part of your lifestyle to find a deeper spiritual connection with yourself and the world around you.

Thanks for stopping by! If you need a sage stick, visit The MALA Shop.

What is mindfulness? To me, it means doing something with full awareness and presence. Yoga is a mindfulness practice as focus is shifted inward to body sensation and breath awareness. Your mind cannot focus on busy thoughts while being forced to put full attention on the direct experience happening on your mat.

Truth is, anything you do can be a mindfulness practice. Feeling textures and smelling aromas of the food you are cooking. Feeling the water run on your hands as you wash dishes. Breathing in a fresh breeze as you run outside. Taking in and appreciating the beauty of nature wherever you go. All you have to do is focus on the direct experience you are having, wherever you are. Let yourself be present.

Making malas and mala bracelets is a way I practice mindfulness. I love how the beads feel in my hands as I get into a calming rhythm of tying knots.

Let your mala be a symbol of mindfulness for you, when you wear it let it remind you to focus on what is happening RIGHT NOW. Because this is your Life. Love it!

About Me

My name is Loren. I'm a passionate yoga instructor, jewelry artist, web designer, blogger, traveler, mother, and lover of life. I've been teaching yoga since 2010 and have a passion for wellness and the art of body movement. Subscribe to my blog below for inbox inspiration and to stay up to date on my latest workshops and offerings!